US orders embassy staff to leave Nigeria, lists 23 states as no go area
World News US orders embassy staff to leave Nigeria, lists 23 states as no go area Published on April 9, 2026 By Winifred Austin googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); The United States Department of State has authorised the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their families from its embassy in Abuja, citing a worsening security situation across Nigeria. In an updated travel advisory issued on Wednesday, the department said the directive took effect from April 8, 2026, warning American citizens to reconsider travel to the country over rising concerns including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and inconsistent healthcare services. Nigeria remains under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory, while 23 states have been placed on the highest warning level — “Level 4: Do Not Travel.” The newly added states to the “Do Not Travel” category include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); According to the advisory, northern states affected by the Level 4 warning include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa, due to terrorism, armed crime, and kidnapping. In the South and Southeast, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states — excluding Port Harcourt — were also listed over concerns of violent crime, kidnapping and civil unrest. “The security situation in these areas remains unstable and unpredictable,” the State Department said, noting frequent incidents of communal clashes, armed banditry, and sudden security operations. It added that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom are widespread, with U.S. citizens often targeted due to perceptions of wealth. The department also warned that terrorist attacks could occur without warning at public places including markets, shopping centres, hotels, worship centres, and large gatherings. It further highlighted concerns over Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing medical services as limited and inconsistent, often falling short of U.S. or European standards. The State Department advised Americans who must travel to Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates, avoid protests and crowded places, and establish personal safety measures, including “proof of life” protocols. Don't Miss Iran accuses US, Israel of violating ceasefire agreement You may like 1,402 Christians killed in Nigeria between Jan-April 2026 – Intersociety alleges Easter: ‘They’re persecuted in Nigeria, Syria, others’ – Israeli PM Netanyahu hails Christians World Cup 2026: DR Congo better team than Nigeria – Kwenaite Nigeria still lacking comprehensive legal framework for protection of whistleblowers – CSO to FG Illicit Financial Flows deprive Nigeria, African economies of $88bn yearly — Edun US Congressman warns Nigeria over killing on Christians in Plateau